Centrifugal space dyeing machine and method



Jan. 26, 1960 H. G. MILLER, JR 2,922,696

CENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHOD Original Filed. Aug. 10,1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR: HENRY GRADY MILLER, In

B) ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 'GENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHODOriginal Filed Aug. 10, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 G I l a3 84 ll 85 HENRYGRADY MlLLER,JR-, INVENTOR. 86 1 n J? 45- "5' 79 '10 5 i3 1 74 30 4&1 a:

&- 48 M H'Tl \L H 2- cr L -26 Fm 23 490. B ATTORNEYS Jan.

H. G. MILLER, JR

CENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHOD Original Filed Aug. 10, 19537 Sheet's-Sheet 3 8| 34 2s as 80 220 as w 224 9'5 2 H 201 k. 861 m a: 01 X 200 I i 5 may I 2. 22! 201- $3 1::11, L

24 22's all 1 no IN VENTOR: HENRY GRADY MILLER, J'R.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 H. G. MILLER, JR

CENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHOD Original Filed Aug. 10, 19537 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR: Hum (muv MnusR, J'R

@4 ZZZ ATTORNEYS H. G; MILLER, JR

CENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHOD 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 OriginalFiled Aug. 10, 1953 INVENTOR. HENRY GRADY MILLER, JR.

I ATTORNEYS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 H. G. MILLER, JR

CENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHOD Original Filed Aug. 10, 1953Jan. 26, 1960 R GRADYNHLLER In. HEN Y INVENTbR.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 H. G. MILLER, JR

CENTRIFUGAL SPACE DYEING MACHINE AND METHOD 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 OriginalFiled Aug. 10, 1953 INVENTOR zww HENRY GRADY MmuaRJa,

ATTORNEYS CENTRIFUGAL SPACEDYEING MACHINE AND METHOD Henry Grady Miller,Jr., Hickory, N.C., assignor to Hickory Dyeing & Winding Co., Inc.,Hickory, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Continuation of abandonedapplication Serial No. 373,263, August 10, 1953. This application August4, 1954, Serial No. 447,765

24 Claims. (Cl. 8-155.1)

This invention relates to a method and means for spot dyeing or spacedyeing yarn and more specifically to an improved centrifugally operablemachine and method for space dyeing skeins of yarn wherein evenlydisposed areas are dyed in the yarn and no blank areas are formedtherein.

Heretofore in dyeing of yarn in spots, which is commonly known as spacedyeing, wherein one portion of the yarn is dyed one color and otherportions of the yarn are dyed other colors, it has been necessary toclamp the yarns between members to divide the skeins of yarn into aplurality of sections and then dyestufi was applied to one or more ofsaid sections as desired to dye only a desired section, the clampsserving to prevent the dyestuff from dyeing the other sections of theyarn. In these prior processes the clamps have covered a portion of theyarn which required that the yarn be again moved in such a manner as toadmit dyestufi to that area of the yarn which was covered by the clampsor in the case of yarn wherein the clamps were of relatively narrowwidth, small undyed areas would appear between the adjacent dyedsections.

It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide animproved and novel method and means for space dyeing skeins of yarn orthe like wherein different areas of the yarn may be dyed diiferentcolors which areas will join to each other without overlapping andwithout leaving any undyed area therebetween.

It is another object of this invention to provide centrifugally operablemeans wherein means are provided for supporting a plurality of skeins ofyarn and additional means are provided for directing different coloreddyestuffs to different areas of said yarns and wherein both of saidlast-named means are rotated so that the dyestufi will flow outwardlyand be sprayed onto the yarns and will be caused to thoroughly penetratethe same and to be thoroughly dispersed by the centrifugal movement ofthe entire apparatus rotating during the dyeing operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide means for space dyeinga plurality of skeins of yarn or the like wherein a rotatable base isprovided with a plurality of upstanding vanes adapted to have skeins ofyarn looped thereabout and wherein said vanes are adjustable to holdsaid yarn thereabout. No clamps are provided so that the yarn is notclamped intermediate its ends, thus permitting thorough penetration ofthe dyestufi to all areas of the yarn. The vanes serve to divide theinnermost areas of the yarn into a plurality of designated areas andmeans are provided for spraying dyestuif between said vanes so as tospray only the area defined therebetween. This entire mechanism isrotated so that the dyestuff will flow outwardly and give thoroughpenetration and will not mingle with the dyestuif from adjacent areasand at the same time will not leave blank spaces between the dyed areasof the yarn.

It is another object of this invention to provide a centrifugal spacedyeing machine of the type described wherein novel means are providedfor directing various colored dyestuffs to various areas of thecentrifugally operated means for supporting skeins of yarn. Such meansinclude a reservoir disposed above the yarn support means and mountedfor rotation therewith, said reservoir being divided into a plurality ofcompartments each having an electrically operable discharge valve portassociated therewith with a plurality of lines leading therefrom to theparticular sections of the yarn supporting means. more of said dischargeports, as desired, to permit dyestutf from one or more of saidcompartments in said dye reservoir to be sprayed against a designatedarea of the yarn skeins. 7

It is another object of this invention to provide a method of spacedyeing or of liquid treatment of skeins of yarn wherein the yarn is heldtaut and divided into a plurality of areas and liquids of differentcharacters are sprayed into said areas while rotating the yarn andspraying apparatus at relatively high speeds whereby centrifugal forcewill cause thorough penetration of the yarns by the liquids.

This application is a continuation of my copending application SerialNo. 373,263, filed August 10,1953, entitled Centrifugal Space DyeingMachine and Method, now abandoned.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objectswill appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings in which 7 Figure 1 is a front elevation ofthe dyeing machine with the parts thereof in dyeing position; 1

Figure 2v is a side view with parts in section taken along the line 22in Figure 1 and showing the cover of the machine raised prior tocommencing a dyeing operation;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional plan view of the counterweight andcarriage therefor taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional plan view of the machine looking substantiallyalong the line 4-4 in Figure 2, but showing the shield and associatedparts in lowered position;

Figure 5 is a sectional plan view looking along the line 55 in Figure 2and showing the driving means for the machine;

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional plan view looking down on the top ofthe dye reservoir along the line 66 in Figure 1; j

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional plan view showing the top of theshield and taken along the line 7-7 in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through the dyereservoir and shield taken substantially along the line -88 in Figure 6and omitting the flexible dye tubes for purposes of clarity;

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one portion of the shieldtaken along the line 9-9 in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional detail of the upper bearing meanstaken along the line 10-10 in Figure 1;

Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional plan view taken along the line 11-11in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the central portion of Figure 1 showingthe flexible tubes connecting the discharge ports of the dye reservoirto the dye pipes or spray nozzles associated With the shield;

Means are provided for operating one or 3 along the line 15--15 inFigure 2 and illustrating the manner in which yarn is positioned aroundthe vanes prior to dyeing thereof;

Figure 16 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 1616 inFigure 15 and showing the manner in which the yarn supporting vanes aremaintained in P t o 7 Figure 17 (Sheet 3) is an enlarged sectional planview taken along the line 17-17 in Figure 1.

Referring generally to the drawings it will be observed thattheinvention includes a frame broadly designated at 10 which carries adye receptacle 11 which surrounds the lower portion of means forsupporting a plurality of skeins of yarn such as a table 12 (Figure 16)and a plurality of vanes 13 carried thereby about which the 'skeins ofyarn are adapted to be positioned. The invention also includes a dyereservoir 14 divided into a plurality of compartments for containing dyeliquor and a shield 61' cover 15 adapted to surround the skeins of yarn"around the vanes 13 and in which suitable nozzle means are positioned,which nozzles are connected to the dye reservoir 14 for directingpredetermined dyestuffs from the dye reservoir 14 to the yarns or skeinsaround the vanes 13. Means are provided for raisingand lowering the dyereservoir 14 and the shield 15 relative to .the yarn supporting means 12and 13 and means are provided for rotating the yarn supporting means 12and 13 together with the shield 15 and the dye reservoir 14 so thatcentrifugal force will cause the dyestuff from the nozzles to.thoroughly penetrate designated areas of the yarn, which areas aredefined by the vanes 13.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, it will be observed thattheframe or supporting structure 10 includes front and rear base membersand 21 connected by side base members 22 and 23 there also beingprovided intermediate side frame members 24 and 25 which extend from thefront frame member 20 beyond the rear frame member 21 so that the baseof the frame 10: is substantially T-shaped. The rear ends of the framemembers 24 and 25 are connected by a member 26. Front and rear cornerposts 30, 31 and 3'2, 33 extend upwardly from the ends of the respectivebase members 20 and 21 and are suitably connected at their upper ends byfront and rear members 34 and 35 and side members 36 and 37, so that theforemost portion of the frame 10 is substantially rectangular. Extendingfrom the upper rearmost portion of the frame 10 downwardly to therearmost portions of the members 24 and 25 are frame members 40 and 41which serve as a support for the rear portion of the frame and as aguide for counterweight means to be described.

Front and rear lower intermediate support bars 43 and 44 (Figures 1 and2) extend between the cornerposts 30, 31 and 32, 33 in superposedparallel relation to the base frame members 20 and 21. A second frontintermediate support member 45 extends between the posts 30 and 31 abovethe support member 43. Suitable bearings 46 and 47 are suitably secured,as by bolts,

to the support members 43 and 45, respectively, and a. dye table shaft48 is rotatably mounted in said bearings and the lower end of the shaft48 is rotatably mountedin a thrust bearing 49 carried by a bracket 49asecured to the base frame member 20. The shaft 48 extends upwardly andloosely penetrates the bottom of the dye receptacle 11 and has the dyetable 12 suitably secured thereto. It will be observed in Figure 16 thatthe dye table 12 is circular in plan andis provided with a hub portion50 secured to the shaft 48 as by a set screw 51. The centermost portionof the dye receptacle 11 has a suitable opening therein surrounded by anannular shield 52, which opening is penetrated by the shaft 48.

The dye table 12 forms a part of the means for supporting a plurality ofskeins or loops of yarn or the like to be dyed.' Said yarn supportingmeans also includes a plurality of vanes 13 and it will be observed thatthe dye table 12 is provided with a plurality of circularly spaced,radially extending slots 53 in which the lowermost ends of the vanes 13are adapted to be positioned, each of the slots 53 being slightly largerthan the base of the vanes 13 to permit the vanes 13 to be tiltedslightly therein. The uppermost portion of the inner edge of each of thevanes 13' is cut away in a taper as at 55 to form a cone-like cavity inthe center upper portion of the circularlyarranged vanes. The upper endof the shaft 48 is threaded for reception of a nut 56 which bearsagainst a round plate 57 having a periphery which fits in the conicalcavity formed by the tapered inner edges of the vanes 13 and whenpressed downwardly urges the upper ends of the vanes 13 outwardly in aradial direction from the shaft 48. The plate 57 is normally urgedupwardly by a coil spring 60 hearing against a hub portion 59 on thelower surface of the plate 57, which coil spring 60 also bears againstan intermediate fixed plate 6 1 suitably secured to the shaft 48 as byset screw 62 and which plate 61 isprovided with a plurality ofcircularly spaced, radially extending slots 63, which slots tionalspacer plate to maintain the vanes 13 in the desired circularly spacedrelation.

The vanes 13, serve a double purpose in providing means aboutwhich aplurality of skeins or loops of yarn may be disposed and in alsoproviding deflector plate means so that dyestutf introduced. between twoof said vanes. will contact only that portion of the yarn positionedbetween said vanes and will not, flow onto other portions ofthe yarn.This permits the space or spot dyeing of thev yarns. arranged around thevanes in such a manner as to leave no blank spaces in the yarn and toprevent bleeding of one color dyestuff from one area into anotherarea ofthe yarn. Some of the vanes 13 are provided with projections 13atosupport the lowermost skeins of yarn.

In general operation, the nut 56 and plate 57 may be moved upwardly topermit the upper ends of the vanes 13' tional yarn holding means such asa plurality of circular bands 65 which may be loosely fitted over theouter surfaces of the yarns Y and if desired spring clip members 66having U-shaped spring clip elements 67 at their upper and lower endsmay be clipped onto a plurality of the vanes 13 soas to extend aroundthe outer surfaces of the bands 65 for additionally holding the yarnsagainst displacement. It should be noted however that in no instance arethe yarns Y clamped at any point but they fit snugly against the outeredges of the vanes 13 and may be additionally held in position by thebands 65 and the clips '66, if desired.

The dye receptacle 11 is provided with suitable drainage meanssuch as avalve shown in the form of a faucet 70 for withdrawing used dyestutffrom the bottom of the receptacle after the yarns Y have been spot orspace dyed in aecor-dance with this invention.

Heretofore in space dyeing yarns it has been necessary to clamp theyarnsintermediate their ends in order to prevent dyes in one area frombleeding onto an adjacent area but according to the present inventionmeans are provided for rotating the yarn table 12 together with thevanes l 3 thereon so that centrifugal force will cause dyestuffs sprayedagainst the inner side of the yarns Y between the vanes 13 to moveoutwardly to completely saturate the yarn Y and wherein the action ofsaid centrifugal foree will prevent lateral or circumferential moveinsetof the dyestuffs into adjacent areas S6 that there will be a clean lineof demarcation between each adjacent color. Thus the clamping of theyarns is eliminated and no blank spaces are left in the dyed yarns andthere is no bleeding of one color to another color. 7

Means for rotating the dye table 12 and associated parts are providedcomprising a sprocket Wheel suitably secured to the shaft 48 and aboutwhich a sprocket chain 71 extends. The chain 71 extends around asprocket wheel 72 fixedly secured on a shaft 73 rotatably mounted in aplurality of bearings 74, 75 and 76 suitably secured to the frame member44, an intermediate rear frame member 77 and an upper framernember 78,respectively. Suitable means such as collars 79 prevent verticalmovement of the shaft 73. The lowermost end of the shaft 73 has a pulley80 fixed thereon about which a V-belt 81 extends, which belt 81 alsoextends around a pulley 82 mounted on the drive shaft of a suitablemotor 83 from which wires 84 and 85 extend to a master switch connectedto a source of electrical energy, not shown. The motor 83 is suitablymounted on a motor bracket 86 extending upwardly from the base framemembers 24 and 25.

Now, in order to provide means for introducing dyestufi to the yarns Ybetween the vanes 13 while the vanes 13 are being rotated there isprovided an upper shaft 90 which may be termed a dye reservoir rotatingshaft and which is rotatably and slidably mounted in a sleeve 92 (Figure10) which is fixed in suitable brackets 93 and 94, respectively,connected to the upper frame member 34 and an additional upper framemember 95 disposed therebeneath.

The dye reservoir 14 (Figures 6 and 8) is generally tubular and isprovided with a bottom and top 101. The bottom 1&0 has a bore therein inwhich one end of a sleeve 102 is sealed and the sleeve 102 extendsupwardly slightly above the top 101 through an enlarged opening 103 inthe top 101. The sleeve 102 is secured to the shaft 90 by any suitablemeans such as a set screw 104. The reservoir 14 is divided into aplurality of compartmerits 106 by means of a plurality of verticallydisposed radially extending plates 107 which are secured at their outersurfaces to the tubular wall of the reservoir 14 and are secured attheir inner surfaces to the sleeve 102. It will thus be observed thatdyestutf may be introduced through the opening 103 into any one of thecompartments 106 as desired. For example various colors can be put inthe various compartments to thus dye the skeins of yarn Y various colorsin various areas.

Now in order to permit the dyestuff to flow from a particularcompartment 106 to a particular area of the yarns Ysuitable valvesbroadly designated at 110 are provided adjacent each of the compartments106 in the reservoir 14. By referring to Figures 12 and 13 it will beobserved that a line 111 leads from the lower end of each com partment106 to the respective valve 110 which valve is preferably anelectrically operable solenoid type of valve including a movable valvegate 112, a coil 113 and spring means 114 normally urging the valve gate112 to closed position.

The valve is shown more or less schematically in Figure 13 and it willbe observed that it also includes a discharge stem 115 which isthreadably secured to the valve 110 and is closed at its opposite endand is provided with a plurality of discharge ports 116, to which aplurality of tubular stems 117 are suitably secured. A plurality offlexible tubes 113 are fitted on the stems 117 and eX- tend downwardlyand are suitably secured to the upper ends of spray nozzles 12% whichare circularly arranged in a top plate 121 (Figure 8) of the shield 15.The nozzles 120 are elongated tubular members which are threaded attheir upper ends (Figure 9) and penetrate suitable circularly spacedbores in the plate 121 and are secured into position as by lock nuts 122and 123. The lower end of each nozzle 120 is closed and the outer sur-'6 face of each nozzle provided with apl'u'rality of spaced dischargeports or spray jets 125', it beingobserved that the uppermost opening orjet 125 is the largest and the diam eter of the jets 125 progressivelydecreases from top to bottom of the nozzle 120. Since the dyestuffsprayed from the nozzles tends to flow downwardly this arrangement ofthe bores 125 permits even distribution of the dyestuif on the yarns. yI p The nozzles 120 are so spaced in the plate 121 as to fit downbeneath each of the vanes 13 when the nozzles are lowered into dyeingposition and it will thus be observed; referring to Figure 14, thatdyestuif emitted from the nozzles 120 will be sprayed outwardly adjacentthe inner surfaces of yarn extending around the vanes 13 and the vanes13 will serve to deflect the dyestutf so that it will be sprayed only onthat area of the yarn which is between the particular vanes 13. Itisdesirable to have the yarns dry and to apply dye to all areas of theyarn simultaneously to prevent bleeding. There may be a very smallamount of bleeding of the dyes on each side of the vanes but this willbe limited by centrifugal force so as to bleed only a distanceapproximately one-half of the thickness of the vane 13 so that it willmeet with the adjacent dyestud and there will be a definite clear lineof demarcation between the dyed areas without any blank space whatsoevertherebetween due to the fact that the yarns are not clamped against theouter edges of the vanes 13. p

When it is desiredto leave one or more areas blank, one or moreof thecompartments 106 of the dye reservoir is filled with water and water issprayed onto the yarns between certain designated vanes at the same timedye is sprayed onto the other areas. This keeps the dye from other areasfrom bleeding into the water saturated areas and any dye that mightbleed into said areas due to difference in the densities of water anddye would readily wash out in the finishing process. I

The upper or top plate 121 of the shield 15 (Figure 8) is fixed on thelower threaded end of the shaft 90 as lock nuts and 131 and it will beobserved that the dye reservoir 14 is additionally supported by theplate 121 by means of a plurality of strap support members 132 suitablysecured, as by welding, to the bottom 100 of the reservoir 14 and to theupper surface of the plate 121. A lock nut 133 also serves to secure thedye reservoir 14 in position about the shaft 90. A suitable handle orring 135 extends around and is connected to the shield 15, which shieldis generally tubular and tapers outwardly from top to bottom and thehandle member 135 serves as grasping means for raising the shield 15 andassociated parts. y,

Means are provided for rotating the shaft 90 in unison with the shaft 48comprising a sprocket wheel provided with a hub portion 141 having anannular groove 142 therein which is rotatable in a U-shaped slot 143(Figures 1 and 10) in a plate 144 suitably secured as by screws 146 to abracket secured to and extending downwardly from the frame members 34and 95. The hub 141 of the sprocket 140 is secured for rotation with theshaft 90 by means of arecessed set screw 147 which penetrates a key 149positioned in an elongated keyway 150 in the shaft 90 which permits theshaft 90 to move vertically relative to the sprocket wheel 140 butcauses the shaft 90 to rotate with the sprocket wheel 140, the plate 144serving also to prevent vertical movement of the sprocket 140. Asprocket chain 151 extends around the sprocket wheel 140 and around asprocket wheel 152 suitably secured to the shaft 73 adjacent its upperend. The shaft 73 also drives the sprocket 70 for rotating the shaft 48and it will thus be observed that like rotation will be imparted to theshaft 90.

Suitable means are provided for transmitting electrical energy from astationarysource to the rotating solenoid valves 110 associated witheach of the compartments 106 of the dye reservoir 14 and in the presentinstance said means are illustrated in'Fi'gures" 10 and 11 as comprisingan insulated ring 160 suitably secured to the key 149 as by a set screw161, the keyway 150 in the shaft 90, to permit the shaft 90 to movevertically without moving the insulated ring 160. The set screw 161 inthe ring 160 is recessed and a conductive ring 162 extends around theinsulated ring 160 out of contact with the set screw 16:1 and thisconductive ring 162 may be secured to the insulated ring 160 by means ofa recessed or flush set screw 163 which does not extend all the waythrough the ring 160. A stationary housing 165 is suitably mounted on abracket 165a depending from the frame member 95 and the housing 165 isprovided with an insulating ring 166 fixed therein spaced from theconductive ring 162 and a conductive pin ,or brush 177 is mounted in thering 166 and contacts the conductive ring 162. Suitable wires 178 and179 lead from the brush 177 through a duct 180 in the housing 165. Thesewires 178 and 179 extend outwardly to the frame 10 and are suitablyconnected to a switch 182 (Figure 1) whichis provided with wires 183 and184 which lead to a suitable source of electrical energy not shown.

It will thus be seen as the shaft 90 rotates electrical energy will betransmitted through the brush 177 to the ring 162 and the ring 162 hassuitable wires 185 connected thereto which extend downwardly through theopening in the housing 165 and are connected by means of circular wires186 and branch wires 187 to each of the solenoid switches 110. Thus byoperation of the switch 182, a circuit may be made to the solenoidswitches 110. If desired a suitable control unit may be placed in thecircuit so as to permit individual operation of designated solenoidvalves but in general operation this is not necessary as all portions ofthe yarn are usually dyed and it is thus desirable to operate all thesolenoid valves 110 at the same time.

In order to raise the dye reservoir 14 and the shield 15 to permit theplacement and removal of the yarns Y about the vanes 13, the upper endof the shaft 90 has secured thereto the inner race of a ball bearingdisposed in a bracket 200. The bracket 200 has one end of a sprocketchain 201 secured thereto which chain 201 extends upwardly and over asprocket wheel 202 suitably journaled in the upper parallel ends ofupper frame members 203 and 204 which are mounted on and extend upwardlyand inwardly toward each other from the opposite ends of the upper framemember 34.. The sprocket chain 201 then extends downwardly over asprocket wheel 205 suitably journaled between intermediate frame members206 and 207 on top of the frame 10.

The chain 205 extends on downwardly and is connected at its lower end toa projecting lug 210 (Figure 3) extending from the uppermost surface ofa generally inverted U-shaped weight plate 211 which is slidably mountedon the diagonally extending frame member 40 and 41, it being observedthat the frame members 40 and 41 are U-shaped in cross-section and areprovided with ribs 212 on their upper surfaces which act as bearings forthe plate 211. The plate 211 is provided with side walls 215 and 216 andan end wall 217. A suitable strap 218 extends from the side wall 215 andto side wall 216 and serves to confine suitable weight members W on theplate 211. The weight members W are counterweights and serve tocounterbalance the weight of the shield 15, the dye reservoir 14 andassociated parts.

Thus upon an operator grasping the handle 135 and moving the shield 15and dye reservoir 14 upwardly the weights W carried by the basket formedof the plate 211 and associated parts moves downwardly on the framemembers 40 and 41 to hold the dye reservoir 14 and shield 15 in anydesired raised, partially raised, or lowered position. A suitable step219 projecting from a bar 219a extending between the members 24 and 25limits movement of the counterweight beyond a predetermined point. Anysuitable counterweight means may be provided and the means shown are byway of illustration only.

'The bracket or bearing housing 200 has an arm 220 extending therefrombetween suitable guide members 221 and 222 extending upwardly from themembers 206 and 207 and supported by brace bars 223 and 224 also securedto the members 206 and 207. The arm 220 prevents rotation of the bracket200 with the shaft 90.

In operation the shield 15 and associated parts are moved to theposition shown in Figure 2 and a plurality of skeins of yarn Y arepositioned about the vanes 13 and the vanes 13 are tightened intoposition by means of the nut 56 and the plate 57 as previouslydescribed. If desired the additional yarn holding means such as thebands 65 may be utilized. The compartments 106 of the dye reservoir 14are then filled with any suitable colored dyestuffs. If desired, as manyas eight difierent colored dyes may be used in the present illustrationand it may be desirable in some instances to provide a dye reservoircontaining a greater or smaller number of compartments.

In the present illustration five discharge ports are shown leading fromeach of the compartments 106 and by arranging the flexible tubes 118 ina desired arrangement, the dyestufi may be utilized so that any desiredcolor dyestulf may be introduced to yarn in the area between any twoadjacent vanes. In this connection it should be noted that in someinstances it may be desirable to use flexible tubes substantially longerthan those shown at 118 in order to give maximum flexibility and varietyto this apparatus.

After the tubes 118 have been arranged as desired and the reservoir 14is filled with dyestufi the shield 15 and associated parts are manuallylowered so that the lower edges of the shield 15 fit within theuppermost edge of the dye receptacle 11 (Figure 16). The mechanism isthen caused to rotate by actuation of the motor 83 and which actuationis preferably controlled by means of a master switch 250 (Figure 1)having wires 251 and 252 leading to a suitable source of electricalenergy and also being connected to the wires 84 and 85 of the motor 83.

Upon the dye table 12 and the vanes 13 and associated parts rotatingtogether with the shield 15 and the reservoir 14, the switch 182 may beactuated to open the valves to permit the flow of dyestuff from the dyecompartments 106 through the valves 110 the flexible tubes 108 and tothe discharge nozzles from which the dyestuff will be sprayed throughthe discharge openings, sprays or jets against the innermost surfaces ofthe yarns Y positioned around the vanes 13. Due to the fact that theentire mechanism is rotating during this operation centrifugal forcewill cause the dyestuff to flow outwardly to thoroughly penetrate eachof the yarns Y while at the same time preventing sidewise orcircumferential movement of the dyestuif to prevent bleeding of onecolor into the color of another adjacent area. The dyestuff will thenflow downwardly and be retained in the receptacle 11 and may bedischarged by the valve 70 if desired. It will be observed that theflange 52 in the bottom of the receptacle 11 prevents leakage and ifdesired any suitable rotary connection or packing may be provided atthis point to further prevent leakage. V

The speed of rotation of the dyeing mechanism may vary in accordancewith varying factors such as the size of the machine, the size of themotor 83, the particular type and quantity of yarn being processed, theparticular type of fluid or dyestuif used, the amount of penetrationdesired and various other factors. In actual operation it has been foundthat a speed of rotation of the shafts 48 and 90 of from to 240revolutions per minute gave desired results. In the particular machineutilized good results were obtained with a speed of 200 revolutions perminute. This gives suflicient penetration of the yarns and extraction ofthe excess dyestuffs. It is believed that high speed is limited only bythe structural characteristics of a particular machine but low speed ofabout 180 revolutions per minute appears-to be necessary to-give'thedethe receptacle as shown as only the alcohol or other chemical carrierof the dyestutf is normally subject to salvage andrreuse and anintermixing of the used dyes generally is not critical.

After the desired amount of dye has been sprayed on the yarns Y,rotation of the unit may be stopped by' means of the master switch'250and the shield and associated parts maybe raised to the position shownin Figure 2 to permit the yarns Y to be removed from the vanes 13.

It will thus be observed that there is provided a new type of spacedyeing machine and method wherein centrifugal force is utilized to causethe dyes to flow outwardly through a predetermined area of yarn and toprevent interrningling of various colored dyes in'various sections ofthe yarn being dyed. Such means and method eliminates the necessity ofclamping the yarn which either 'leaves blank spaces in the yarnrequiring subsequent dyeing or which permits intermingling of the dyesand bleed ing of the dyes of one color to colored areas adjacentthereto. The use of centrifugal force also gives more thoroughpenetration of the dyestufi and results in spaced dyed yarns of muchhigher quality than have heretofore been obtainable by the use of priorapparatus.

In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention and although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in theclaims.

I claim:

1. That method of liquid treatment of yarns comprising the steps ofassembling lengths of yarn about a vertical support in superposed tautrelation, dividing the inner surface of said yarns into a plurality ofareas shielded from each other, applying liquids of different charactertothe inner shielded areas of said yarns and simultaneously rotating theyarns and the support at a speed of at least 180 revolutions per minutewhile applying said liquids whereby centrifugal force will causethorough penetration of the yarns by the liquids.

2. That method of treating yarns which comprises positioning a pluralityof superposed yarns around a central support, dividing the innersurfaces of said yarns into a plurality of areas shielded from eachother, applying liquids of different character to the inner surfaces ofthe yarns in each shielded area and simultaneously rotating said'yarnsand said support while applying said liquids, the speed of rotationbeing such that centrifugal force will cause thorough penetration of theyarns by the liquid. v

3. That method of treating yarns in skein form which comprisespositioning a plurality of superposed yarn skeins around a centralsupport, exerting radial pressure against said yarns at spaced points tohold the same taut, dividing the inner surfaces of said yarns into aplurality of areas shielded from each other spraying liquids'ofdifferent character against the inner surfaces of the yarns in eachshielded area and simultaneously rotating said yarns and said supportwhile spraying said liquids, the speed of rotation being such thatcentrifugal force will cause thorough penetration of the yarns by theliquid.

4. That method of liquid tre'atmentof yarns in skein form comprising thesteps of assembling skeins of yarn about a vertical support insuperposed relation, dividing the inner surfaces of said yarns into-aplurality of areas id s'lii'elded' from each'otlie r by a:pluralityi bfr cl l'ty "arranged vanes, exerting radial pressure on said" vanes tocause their outer edges to contact said yarns to hold the same taut,spraying liquids of different characters simultaneously on the innershielded areas of said yarns and simultaneously rotating the yarns andthe support at a speed of at least revolutions per minute'while sprayingsaid liquids whereby centrifugal forcewill cause thorough penetration ofthe yarn by the liquids.

5. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of yarns comprising a supportrotatable about an axis, a plurality of circularly arrangedlongitudinally-extending yarn holding meansmounted on said support forholding a plurality of yarns disposed therearound, a shield forenclosing said yarns, and said yarn holding means, said yarn holdingmeans dividing said yarns into a plurality of areas shielded from eachother, means for spraying liquids of different character against theinner surface of said yarns in said shielded areas, and means forrotating said yarn support and spraying means simultaneously wherebycentrifugal force will cause said liquids to thoroughly penetrate theadjacent areas of said yarn.

6. Apparatus for space dyeing yarn skeins comprising a rotatablesupport, a plurality of radially movable circularly arranged yarnholding means mounted on said support for'holding a plurality of yarnskeins disposed tautly therearound, a movable shield for enclosing saidyarns and said yarn holding means, said yarn holding means dividing saidyarns into a plurality of areas shielded from each other, means forspraying liquids of different character against the inner surface ofsaid yarns in each of said shielded areas, and means for rotating saidyarn support and spraying means simultaneously at a relatively highspeed whereby centrifugal force will cause said liquids to thoroughlypenetrate the adjacent areas of said yarns.

7. Apparatus for space dyeing yarn skeins comprising a rotatablesupport, a plurality of radially movable circularly arranged yarnholding vanes mounted on said support for holding a plurality of yarnskeins disposed tautly therearound, a movable cover for enclosing saidyarns and said yarn holding vanes, said yarn holding vanes engaging theyarns at spaced points and dividing said yarns into a plurality of areasshielded from 'each other, a plurality of spray nozzles carried by saidcover and extending between each of said vanes when said cover is inclosed position, means for spraying liquids of different character fromsaid nozzles against the inner surface of said yarns in each of saidshielded areas, and means for rotating said yarn support and sprayingmeans simultaneously at a speed of at least 180' revolutions per minutewhereby centrifugal force will cause said liquids to thoroughlypenetrate the adjacent mess of said yarns.

8. Apparatus for space dyeing yarn skeins comprising a support rotatableabout a vertical axis, a plurality of radially movable circularlyarranged vertical yarn holding vanes mounted on said support for holdinga plurality of yarn skeins disposed tautly therearound, a verticallymovable cover for enclosing said yarns and said yarn holding vanes, saidyarn holding vanes engaging the yarns at spaced points and dividing saidyarns into a plurality of areas shielded from each other, means forspraying liquids of different characters against the inner surface ofsaid yarns in said shielded areas, a receptacle positioned beneath saidsupport for receiving excess liquid sprayed onto said yarns, and meansfor rotating said yarn support and spraying means simultaneously at aspeed of at least 180 revolutions, per minute whereby centrifugal forcewill cause said liquids'to thoroughly penetrate the adjacent areas ofsaid yarns.

9. Apparatus for space dyeing a plurality of skeins of yarn comprising arotatable table, a pluralityof vanes movably mounted on said table andadapted to have a plurality of yarns positioned therearound said vanes'being radially movable to hold said'yarns in taut position and saidvanes also serving to define a plurahty yofzlareason the inner surfacesof said yarns shielded from each other, movable cover means adapted toenclose said yarns and said vanes, a liquid reservoir movable with saidcover means, said liquid reservoir having a plurality of compartmentstherein, a plurality of spray {nozzles carried by said cover means,means leading from the compartments of said liquid reservoir to each of-said spray nozzles for directing liquid thereto, said spray I nozzlesbeing so arranged as to fit between each of said "vanes and to'directliquid therefrom against the inner surfaces of said yarns disposedbetween said vanes, and means for'simultaneously rotating said table andvanes and said cover and spray means during the dyeing operation.

- 10. Apparatus for space dyeing a plurality of skeins of yarncomprising a rotatable table, a plurality of vanes mounted on said tableand adapted to have a plurality of yarns spaced therearound in adjacenttaut relation to each other, said vanes engaging said yarns at spacedpoints and said vanes defining a plurality of areas on the innersurfaces of said yarns shielded from each other by said vanes, movablecover means adapted to enclose said yarns and said vanes, a dyereservoir movable with said cover means, said dye reservoir having aplurality of compartments therein, a plurality of elongated spraynozzles carried by said cover means, conduits leading from thecompartments of said dye reservoir to each of said spray nozzles fordirecting dyestuif thereto, and said nozzles being so arranged as to fitbetween each of said vanes and having discharge ports therein to directdyestuif therefrom against the inner surfaces of said yarns disposedbetween said vanes, and means for simultaneously rotating said table andvanes, said cover means and said dye reservoir during the dyeingoperation.

v11. Apparatus for space dyeing a plurality of skeins of yarn comprisinga table rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of verticallydisposed circularly spaced vanes mounted on said table and adapted tohave a plurality of yarns spaced therearound in contiguous relation toeach other, said vanes being radially movable to hold said yarns in tautcondition, said vanes engaging the yarns at spaced points and defining aplurality of shielded areas on the inner surfaces of said yarns, covermeans for enclosing said yarns and said vanes, a liquid reservoir, saidliquid reservoir having a plurality of compartments therein, a pluralityof spray nozzles carried by said cover means, means leading from thecompartments of said liquid reservoir to each of said spray nozzles fordirecting liquids thereto, said nozzles being so arranged as to fitbetween each of said vanes and to direct liquid against the innersurfaces of said yarns disposed between said vanes, means for rotatingsaid table and vanes, and means for rotating said cover and said liquidreservoir simultaneously with the rotation of said table and vanes.

12. Apparatus for space dyeing a plurality of skeins of yarn comprisinga table rotatable about a vertical axis a plurality of verticallydisposed circularly spaced vanes mounted on said table and adapted tohave a plurality of yarns, spaced therearound in contiguous relation toeach other, said vanes being radially movable to hold said yarns in tautcondition, said vanes engaging the yarns at spaced points and defining aplurality of shielded areas on the inner surfaces of said yarns, covermeans for enclosing said yarns and said vanes, a liquid reservoir, saidliquid reservoir having a plurality of compartments therein, a pluralityof spray nozzles carried by said cover means, means leading from thecompartments of said liquid reservoir to each of said spraynozzles fordirecting liquids thereto, said nozzles being so arranged as to fitbetween each of said vanes and to direct liquid against the innersurfaces of said yarns disposed between said vanes, means forsimultaneously rotating said table, vanes, cover, and liquid reservoir,and a receptacle positioned liquid sprayed on said yarns.

beneath said table and said cover for reception of excess 13. Apparatusfor space dyeing a plurality of skeins of yarn comprising a rotatabletable, a plurality of circularly arranged vanes mounted on said tableand adapted to have a plurality of yarn skeins positioned therearound,said vanes being radially movable to hold said yarns in taut condition;said vanes engaging said yarns at spaced points and defining a pluralityof shielded areas on the inner surfaces of said yarns, movable covermeans adapted to enclose said yarns and said vanes, a dye reservoirmovable with said cover means, said dye reservoir having a plurality ofcompartments therein, a pin rality of spray nozzles carried by saiidcover means, an electrically operable valve connected to each of saidcompartments in said dye reservoir, each of said valves having aplurality of discharge ports, conduits connecting each of said dischargeports to one of the spray nozzles, means for simultaneously opening allof said electrically operable valves, said nozzles being so arranged asto fit between each of said vanes and to direct liquid therefrom againstthe inner surfaces of said yarns disposed between said vanes, and meansfor simultaneously rotating said table and vanes and said cover meansduring the dyeing operation.

14. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of a plurality of skeins of yarncomprising a means for holding a plurality of skeins of yarn in tautcontiguous relation, said means also defining a plurality of areas onthe inner surfaces of said yarns shielded from each other, movable covermeans adapted to enclose said yarns and said yarn holding means, aliquid reservoir, said liquid reservoir having a plurality ofcompartments therein, a plurality of spray nozzles carried by said covermeans, means leading from the compartments of said liquid reservoir toeach of said spray nozzles for directing liquid thereto, and said spraynozzles being so arranged as to fit adjacent each of the shielded areasof said yarns and to direct liquid therefrom against the inner surfacesof said areas of said yarns, and means for simultaneously rotating saidyarn holdingmeans and said cover means and liquid reservoir during thedyeing operation.

15. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of a plural- -ity of skeins ofyarn comprising a means for holding a plurality of skeins of yarn intaut contiguous relation, said means also defining a plurality of areason the inner surfaces of said yarns shielded from each other, movablecover means adapted to enclose said yarns and said yarn holding means, aliquid reservoir, said liquid reservoir having a plurality ofcompartments therein, a plurality of spray nozzles carried by said covermeans, means leading from each of the compartments of said liquidreservoir to its associated nozzles for directing liquid thereto, andsaid spray nozzles being so arranged as to fit adjacent each of theshielded areas of said yarns and to direct liquid therefrom against theinner surfaces of said areas of said yarns, means for simultaneouslyrotating said yarn holding means and said cover means and liquidreservoir during the dyeing operation, said means leading from thecompartments of the liquid reservoir each including an electricallyoperable valve having a plurality of discharge ports each operativelyconnected to a spray nozzle.

16. In a space dyeing apparatus for yarn skeins, means for supporting aset of contiguous skeins and dividing the inner surfaces of said skeinsinto a plurality of areas and shielding each of said areas from the nextadjacent area, a dye reservoir having a plurality of compartmentsadapted to hold a plurality of different colored dyes, a plurality ofnozzles connected to said dye reservoir and positioned between each ofsaid yarn dividing and shielding means and being provided with openingstherein directed' against the inner surfaces of said yarn skeins, meansfor moving said nozzles to bring the same into operative positionadjacent said yarn skeins, means for 13 causing liquids said reservoirto flow therefrom and to be emitted simultaneously from all of saidnozzles, and means for rotating all of said above-named apparatussimultaneously during the dyeing operation.

17; In a space dyeing apparatus for yarn skeins, means for supportinga'set of contiguous skeins and dividing the inner surfaces of saidskeins into a plurality of areas and shielding each of said areas fromthe next adjacent area, a dye reservoir having a plurality ofcompartments adapted to hold a plurality of different colored dyes, aplurality of nozzles positioned between each of said yarn dividing andshielding means and being provided with openings therein directedagainst the inner surfaces of said yarn skeins, valves connected to saiddye reservoir, each of said valves having a plurality of dischargeports, conduits connecting each of said discharge ports to one of thespray nozzles, means for operating said valves to cause liquids withinsaid reservoir to flow therefrom and to be emitted simultaneously fromall of said nozzles, and means for rotating all of said above-namedapparatus simultaneously during the dyeing operation.

18. In a space dyeing apparatus for yarn skeins, means for supporting aset of contiguous skeins, and dividing the inner surfaces of said skeinsinto a plurality of areas and shielding each of said areas from the nextadjacent area, a dye reservoir having a plurality of compartmentsadapted to hold a plurality of different liquids, a plurality of nozzlesconnected to said dye reservoir and positioned between each of said yarndividing and shielding means and being provided with openings thereindirected against the inner surfaces of said yarn skeins, means forcausing liquid within said reservoir to flow therefrom and to be emittedfrom said nozzles, means for rotating all of said above-named apparatussimultaneously during the dyeing operation, and means for receiving anyexcess liquids applied to said yarns.

19. Apparatus for space dyeing yarns comprising a frame, a tablerotatably mounted in the lower portion of said frame, a plurality ofvertically extending circularly spaced vanes mounted on said table andadapted to have a plurality of skeins of yarn positioned therearound insuperposed relation to each other, means for moving said vanes radiallyto hold said yarns taut, said vanes serving to divide said yarns into aplurality of areas and to shield each of said areas from the nextadjacent area, a rotatable and slidable shaft mounted in the upperportion of said frame, a dye reservoir fixed on said shaft to rotatetherewith, a cover carried by said dye reservoir and adapted to enclosesaid yarns and said vanes, a plurality of elongated circularly spacednozzles carried by said cover and depending therefrom, said dyereservoir being divided into a plurality of compartments for containingliquids of different characters, conduit means leading from each of saidcompartments to certain of said nozzles, means for controlling the flowof liquids from said compartments to said nozzles, means for moving saidshaft vertically to position the cover about said yarns and the nozzlesbetween each of said vanes, said nozzles each having a plurality ofports therein facing toward said yarns, and means for simultaneouslyrotating said rotatable and slidable shaft and said table during thedyeing operation whereby centrifugal force will cause liquids emittedfrom said nozzles to thoroughly penetrate said yarns and will preventbleeding of said liquids from one area to the next adjacent area.

20. Apparatus for space dyeing yarns comprising a frame, a tablerotatably mounted in the lower portion of said frame, a plurality ofvertically extending circularly spaced vanes mounted on said table andadapted to have a plurality of skeins of yarn positioned therearound insuperposed relation to each other, means for moving said vanes radiallyto hold said yarns taut, said vanes serving to divide said yarns into aplurality of areas and to shield each of said areas from the nextadjacent area, a rotatable and slidable shaft mounted in the upper por-.tion of-said frame, a dye reservoir connected tosaid shaft,;;a' covercarried by-said dye' reservoir and adapted to-enclosesaid yarns and saidvanes, a plurality of -,vided into a plurality of compartments forcontaining liquidsof different characters, conduit means leading fromeach of said compartments to certain of said noz: zles, means forcontrolling the flow of liquid from said compartments to said nozzles,means permitting manual movement of said shaft vertically to positionthe cover about said yarns and to position the nozzles between each ofsaid vanes, counterweight means connected to said rotatable and slidableshaft to cause the cover and dye reservoir to remain in any desiredposition, said nozzles each having a plurality of ports therein facingtoward said yarns, and'means for simultaneously rotating said rotatableand slidable shaft and said table during the dyeing operation wherebycentrifugal force will cause said liquids to thoroughly penetrate saidyarns and will prevent bleeding of liquids from one area to the nextadjacent area.

21. Apparatus for space dyeing yarns comprising a frame, a tablerotatably mounted in the lower portion of said frame, a plurality ofvertically extending circularly spaced vanes mounted on said table andadapted to have a plurality of skeins of yarn positioned therearound insuperposed relation to each other, means for moving said vanes radiallyto hold said yarns taut, said vanes serving to divide said yarns into aplurality of areas and to shield each of said areas from the nextadjacent area, a rotatable and slidable shaft mounted in the upperportion of said frame, a dye reservoir connected to said shaft, a covercarried by said dye reservoir and adapted to enclose said yarns and saidvanes, a plurality of elongated circularly spaced nozzles carried bysaid cover and depending therefrom, said dye reservoir being dividedinto a plurality of compartments for containing liquids of differentcharacter, an electrically operable valve connected to each of saidcompartments in said dye reservoir, each of said valves having aplurality of discharge ports, conduits connecting each of said dischargeports to one of the spray nozzles, means for controlling said valves tocontrol the flow of liquid from said compartments to said nozzles, meansfor moving said shaft vertically to position the cover about said yarnsand the nozzles between each of said vanes, each of said nozzles havinga plurality of ports therein facing toward said yarns, and means forsimultaneously rotating said rotatable and slidable shaft and said tableduring the dyeing operation whereby centrifugal force will cause saidliquids emitted from said nozzles to thoroughly penetrate said yarns andwill prevent bleeding of said liquids from one area to the next adjacentarea.

22. That method of treating fibrous material including the steps ofpositioning the material about a plurality of circularly arrangedvertical supports, dividing the material into a plurality of shieldedareas, and spraying liquids of different character against the innersurfaces only of the portions of said material bridging adjacentsupports while rotating said supports and said material about a commonaxis at a speed such as to cause said liquids to penetrate said materialby centrifugal force.

23. A method of liquid treatment of yarns comprising the steps ofpositioning the yarn about a support, holding the yarn about the supportin taut relation, dividing the yarn into a plurality of areas shieldedfrom each other, flowing liquid from a position above the yarn intospraying receptacles, and simultaneously rotating the yarn, support, andspraying receptacles whereby centrifugal force will be effective tocause the liquid to be thrown radially outwardly from the sprayingreceptacles to thoroughly penetrate the yarn;

24. A method of liquid treatment of yarns comprising the steps ofholding a plurality of yarn skeins about a plurality of areas shieldedfromeach other, flowing treatment liquid from a position above the yarnskeins into spraying receptacles, and simultaneously rotating the yarn,support, and spraying receptacles whereby centrifugal force will beeffective to cause the liquid to be thrown radially outwardly frorfi thespraying receptacles to thoroughly penetrate the yarn.

" "References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSJackson Oct."27, 1942 Perkins .June 20, 1944 Pendleton Apr. 14, 1953

24. A METHOD OF LIQUID TREATMENT OF YARNS COMPRISING THE STEPS OFHOLDING A PLURALITY OF YARN SKEINS ABOUT A SUPPORT IN TAUT RELATION,DIVIDING THE YARN SKEINS INTO A PLURALITY OF AREAS SHIELDED FROM EACHOTHER, FLOWING TREATMENT LIQUID FROM A POSITION ABOVE THE YARN SKEINSINTO SPRAYING RECEPTACLES, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ROTATING THE YARN,SUPPORT, AND SPRAYING RECEPTACLES WHEREBY CENTRIFUGAL FORCE WILL BEEFFECTIVE TO CAUSE THE LIQUID TO BE THROWN RADIALLY OUTWARDLY FROM THESPRAYING RECEPTACLES TO THOROUGHLY PENETRATE THE YARN.